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By Amira El-Fekki
Middle East News Reporter
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The Iran-backed Houthi militant group, Ansar Allah, is threatening to resume maritime operations against Israel if it does not allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Newsweek reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office for comment.
Why It Matters
Read More on World
The Houthis, a U.S. designated terrorist organization, have become a major disruptor of shipping through one of the world's busiest sea lanes — pushing up freight and insurance costs and forcing some vessels to make long detours.
Since 2023, the Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as U.S. service members defending navigation rights.
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What To Know
"There was a deadline by leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi for Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid entry to Gaza. If it fails to meet it, our military forces are ready to resume naval operations against Israel," Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Yemeni group's media authority told Newsweek on Monday.
Israel has banned aid from entering Gaza following a standoff with Hamas in ceasefire negotiations earlier in March over the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel also accused Hamas of stealing aid to support its military operations, something the group has denied.
"We cannot bear to see the people in Gaza under siege, suffering from starvation. The threat is serious," Amer said.
The Houthis gave Israel four days from Friday to lift the restrictions on aid. They have previously launched missiles and drones at Israel, though most have been intercepted. Israel has increased security in the Red Sea by deploying advanced defense systems and boosting its naval presence, according to The Middle East Institute (MEI) is a non-profit think tank based in Washington, D.C.
On Sunday, Energy Minister Eli Cohen ordered the Israel Electric Corporation to immediately halt the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip.
The U.S., Egypt and Qatar are negotiating with both parties for an agreement that would see the release of hostages captured by Hamas during the October 2023 attack on Israel, in addition to de-escalation and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
What People Are Saying
Ansar Allah Leader Abdul-Malek Badr al-Din al-Houthi: "If the Israeli enemy continues to prevent the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip, full closure of border crossings, block the entry of food and medical supply after the four days, we will resume our maritime operations against the Israel enemy. We confront siege with a siege."
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen: "We will employ all the tools available to us so that all the hostages will return, and we will ensure that Hamas won't be in Gaza on the day after."
U.N. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric: "The Israeli authorities have rejected our attempts to collect humanitarian supplies that crossed the Kerem Shalom border crossing before its closure. Given the huge needs in Gaza, keeping the crossings closed will have devastating consequences."
What Happens Next
An Israeli delegation is expected to go to Qatar on Monday to resume U.S.-led negotiations with Hamas, but it is unclear that progress will come before the Houthis deadline expires.
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